The two are calling on President Obama and the Republicans’ presumptive presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, to push for a national gun control policy that would regulate the types and amounts of guns and ammunition people can purchase.

The alleged Colorado shooter, James Holmes, bought his weapons — including an assault rifle — legally, according to police.

“Guy goes out and buy four guns within a matter of weeks? Something’s wrong with the system,” Menino said. “Be able to buy thousands of rounds of ammunition? Something’s wrong with the system. Let’s fix the system.”

A federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004.

“We never renewed that [ban,]” Menino said. “What’s wrong? We’re going to have the NRA run our country? It’s not going to run my country.”

The mayor said though Massachusetts has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, people can easily go to states like New Hampshire and purchase guns at gun shows, where unlicensed dealers are not required to conduct background checks.